Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16567, Paul Edwards, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Rd
Edwards, Paul Rachel
W 16 567
CONTENTS

2253 Nancy New York Rachel Edwards dow of Paul Edwards dec?
who died on the 18 th March 1831 of Chenango Co in the State of N.Y. who was a Pri. part y in the Company commanded by Captain Adams of the Reg t commanded by Col. Elliott in the N.Y. State line for Tylers R.R.
Inscribed on the Roll of Nancy at the rate of 100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Aug. 1838 and Nat. Baraboo Wils Cincinnati O. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $700.00 Pension allowance ending Sept. 50.00
$750.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by McAdams Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 108
Dead Order to pay b. July 1840

Rachel Edwards - Application

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July, 1836. State of New York County of Chenango ss. On this Third day of February
1888, personally appeared before the undersigned, one of the Judges of the County Courts, in and for the said county of Chenango, Rachel Edwards , widow of Paul Edwards, a resident of the town of Pitcher in the said county of Chenango, and State of New York, aged Eighty-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836:
That she is the Widow of Paul Edwards , who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and rendered the following services as near as she can relate the same, according to her best information, knowledge and belief.
That he the said Paul Edwards served as an enlisted soldier in the company of Capt. Ebenezer Adams, in the Regiment of Col. Robert Elliott, and under General Spencer - that he entered the said service from Westerly in the State of Rhode Island where he then resided - that he thus entered in the month of May or June, 1777, and continued to serve in said company and Regiment for the term of two years in succession - that he rendered such service mostly, as she believes, in the State of Rhode Island - That during said time, her said husband assisted in taking Gen. Prescott, the commander of the British Troops, as she often heard him say, as well as others, and she believes and ever has believed the same to be true - that this was under Capt. Norton as she believes - That he also served under said Norton after he was a Colonel, as she has often heard him state, and which she believes - He was in the service before, and when they were married.
That her said husband also served in the Revolutionary War in the years, 1779, 1780, and 1781, and afterwards, as she believes. She thinks he was in said service for most of the time from 1777, to the close of the War - That it was under different enlistments - she believes one enlistment was for three years - it was called the three years service - He served a part of the time under Capt. Saunders - That he was a part of the time under General Cornwall or Cornell - thinks Lieut. Berry was a company officer with Capt. Adams - He was also in Gen. Sullivan's expedition - but she cannot state the year - She well knows he was thus in the said service for more than

Two years after she was married to him - and she also believes he was in the service a considerable time before their marriage - That she experienced great hardship during the absence of her said husband while in said service - that she had to take care of and provide for three children which they had while he was in the service after their said marriage - that two of said children were their children - That their residence for most of the time was at Stonington in the State of Connecticut - though the latter part for a short time was in Westerly in the State of Rhode Island - She says she has no documentary evidence to support her claim - That her maiden name was Rachel Allen -
She further declares that she was married to the said Paul Edwards on the fifth day of April, 1777, as she believes - That her said husband, Paul Edwards, died on the 18 th day of March, 1831, at Pitcher, where she now resides, as before herein stated - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
That the foregoing is according to her best recollection, knowledge and belief - That she cannot recollect precisely the day, month, and year, of her said husband's enlisting after they were married - and she states the same, which occurred before marriage, according to her best knowledge, recollection and belief - That she is old and infirm and her memory considerably broken - but she thinks the foregoing to be substantially correct -
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day & year above written, before me, the undersigned - And I certify that the said declarant is unable from bodily infirmity to attend the sitting of the court - and that she is a person of credibility; and that I have no doubt she states every thing in regard to her application according to her best knowledge, recollection & belief - She signs by making her mark for want of learning as well as bodily infirmity - The foregoing is interlined before execution -
Charles York Judge of Chenango County Court

State of New York Chenango County 3/10. On the fifteenth day of March, 1838, Jonathan Champlin of the town of Pharsalia in the county of Chenango, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid county of Chenango, and on being duly sworn, according to law, says, that he was a private in the company, com- manded by Capt. Ebenezer Adams, in the Regiment of Col. Robert Elliott, in the Revolutionary War, during the years, as he believes, 1777, and 1778 - That he served under Gen. Spencer the first year - and Gen. Cornwall or Cornwall the second year, or most part of said years under said Generals - That he belonged to the Rhode Island Troops - and served in the said State of Rhode Island - That this deponent was, during said service, well acquainted with Paul Edwards, who was a private in the same com- pany with this deponent during the first year and also for most of the second year - This deponent served two years under said officers, and said Edwards was with deponent in the same company and regiment, until the latter part of the second year, when deponent was drawn off & went to Fall River Mills, and left said Edwards - and when deponent thus went he left said Edwards in said service at Fiverton in said Rhode Island - While thus in the service this deponent understood & believed, and ever has, that said Edwards was one of the number that went with Capt. Barton, he thinks he was then a Colonel  (afterwards Col. Barton) and took Gen. Burgoyne, the commander of the British Troops - This deponent believes said Edwards was in said service at least two years under said officers - The company was an Artillery Company - and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 15 th day of March 1838. Jonathan his Champlin marks and I certify that said deponent is a credible person & in other respects full of belief - The reason he signs by making his marks is old age and blindness - an alteration in respect to Col. Barton made above before execution - Solomon Dorrigan Jr. Justice of Peace

State of New York Chautauqua County } ss. On this Sixteenth day of March, 1838, personally came before me, the undersigned Justice of the Peace in & for said county of Chautauqua, Henry Hearn of the town of Plymouth in said county, and who being duly sworn, says that he was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War - that he was well acquainted with Paul Edwards, then of Westerly in the State of Rhode Island, as both belonged to the same town - that both enlisted at the same time and in the same company for fifteen months - that he thinks was in December, 1776 - they served together in the same company for upwards of three months - that this deponent then enlisted out of the State service into the Continental service, and left said Paul Edwards in the State service - that this deponent on enlisting into the Continental line went to the south - that this deponent was in the said service for several years - that while this deponent was thus in the service, he occasionally came home on a furlough - that he always enquired for Paul Edwards, and that he was uniformly told that he was still in the State Troops service - that this was the case for at least two and a half years - that this deponent then understood and believed that said Edwards served out his first fifteen months enlistment, and then again enlisted for a second tour of fifteen months, which he also served out as deponent was informed and believed - that deponent saw said Edwards after both left the service after, during his whole life - and always from all the conversations had with him, as well as others, believed he was in the said service for at least three years - that said Edwards resided in Petahue in the aforesaid county of Chautauqua at the time of his death as this deponent is informed and believes to be true -

That this deponent believes from all the information he has on the subject, being derived from the statement of others, that said Paul Edward was married to Rachel Allen of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, before he left the service - and that they had children before he left said service - of this he has no doubt whatever - that he knows they were married several years before the close of the War, as they lived together as married persons & had children, when deponent came home, at least four, and he thinks five years before the war closed - and further saith not -
Sworn and subscribed this 16 th day of March, 1888, before me - and I further certify that said deponent is a person of credibility and truth -
Henry Harrington
Solomon Ensign Jr. Justice of the Peace of said County
State of New York Chautauqua County
Y. S. Perez Randall, Clerk of said County do hereby certify Charles Park, Esq. was on the third day of February 1888, a Judge of the County Courts of said County and I further certify that Solomon Ensign Junior was on the 15 & 16 th days of March 1888, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, and that they are lawfully, duly qualified according to law, & authorized to take affidavits and that their signatures signatures to the annexed affidavits are genuine, I being well acquainted with their hand writing
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 26. day of March 1888
C. P. Randall, Clerk
3592 Rachel Edwards Declaration of on 20th 2 yrs R. arts, #108

Stephen H. Pendleton
Affid. t —

State of New York Cortland County — ss. Stephen H. Pendleton of the town of Ithaca in the said county of Cortland, being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary War - that he was well acquainted with Paul Edwards, late of Pitsburg in the county of Chenango and State of New York - that said Paul Edwards was also a soldier in said War - that both belonged to the same company and Regiment, being privates in Capt. Ebenezer Adams, Company of Artillery, in Col. Elliott's Regiment a part of the time, and a part of the time commanded by Col. Barton - and under Gen. Cornwall or Cornwall - He thinks this was in 1777 & 1778 -
This deponent was present at the marriage of said Paul Edwards with Rachel Allen, and saw them married by Elder Eleazer Brown, at Stonington in the State of Connecticut, where the parents of said Rachel resided - and where said Edwards afterwards made it his home - This deponent was well acquainted with both of them - They were married on the 6th day of April 1778, as he believes - He thinks he well remembers the day & month, but is not certain as to the year - That after they were married, he believes said Edwards served in the same company and regiment with this deponent for at least two years - They were comrades together during that time - This deponent then understood that said Edwards was of the number of persons who went with Col. Barton and assisted in the taking of General Prescott, the British Commander - He then believed so and ever has - Deponent was not one of the number that went - This deponent also well knows said Edwards was in the said service at other and different times than said two years, but cannot owing to his great age and consequent loss of memory state it with certainty.
But he fully believes that he was in said service more than three years - They belonged to the Rhode Island Troops - and further saith not -
Sworn to and subscribed, by making his mark, on account of old age & infirmity, this 12th day of February, 1838, before me - and I certify that the same was deliberately read to him & he appeared fully to understand it - and that he is a person of credibility - Barak Niles, Justice Peace
Stephen H. his Pendleton mark

State of New York
County of Cortland ss. Thomas H. Edwards of the town of Pitcher in the county of Chenango and State of New York, came personally before me, on this 22 nd day of March, 1888, and being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that he is the son of Paul Edwards, late of Pitcher aforesaid, deceased, and that the mother of this deponent, to wit, Rachel Edwards, widow of said Paul Edwards, has since the death of her said husband, resided in the family of this deponent, at said town of Pitcher; and deponent further declares and says, that the said Rachel Edwards has remained a widow since the death of her said husband, not having again been married, since his said death, to his certain knowledge — He further says that he has lived lived near his father and mother since he himself was married, which was twenty five years ago, and before his said marriage was a member of his father's family — that he has often heard both his father and mother speak of his said father being in the Revolutionary War — and ever uniformly heard them both say, that he was in said war, as a private, for more than two years after their marriage — and he has ever believed the same to be true, and does still believe the same to be true — that he has heard the declaration, made by his said mother, on the third day of February, before Charles York Esq. one of the Judges of Chenango County Court, read, that he was present when she made oath to the same, and then heard it read — and that from what he has often heard his father & mother say on the subject since his earliest recollection, he believes it to be substantially true — The declaration to which he refers is that made as aforesaid, in order to obtain a pension by his mother under the act of July 4 th 1886 — And further says not — Thomas H. Edwards

Rachel Paterson Application for Pension — Part of Proof
State of New York Cortland County
I Orus Thompson Clerk of said County. do hereby Certify that Parake files before whom the affidavits of Stephen H Pendleton & Thomas H Edward, purports to have been taken, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in for said County, duly qualified sworn further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe his signatures subscribed to the within affidavits are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 11th day of April AD 1838
Orus Thompson Clerk

The within deposition subscribed and sworn to, this 22 nd day of March, 1838, before me — And I further certify that said Thomas H. Edwards is well known to me and that he is a person of credibility and truth — And I know said Rachel has remained my widow since the death of her said husband — Sarah Niles Justice of Peace

I Josiah Brown of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged about seventy seven years, under oath depose and say that I was for a great number of years well acquainted with Paul Edwards who formerly lived in the Town which was formerly a part of the Town of Stonington and I was also well acquainted with his Wife Rachel, who was Rachel Allen before she was married to said Paul Edwards. said Paul Edwards and his wife Rachel removed from this State into the State of New York a number of years since I was present and attended the marriage when the said Paul Edwards and Rachel Allen were married they were married together in the Town of Stonington that part which is now North Stonington by Elder Eleazar Brown who, is now deceased, then a Baptist minister or preacher of the Gospel, I think or should say, they were married in the year 1776, or 1777 - said Paul Edwards came from the State of Rhode Island into this State - further the Deposition of said Josiah Brown taken this first day of May 1838
Josiah Brown
State of Connecticut ss. New London County At a Court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May A D 1838 Present Elias Hovey Judge - Personally appeared in open Court the above named Josiah Brown and was Examined cautioned and sworn agreeable to Law to the above deposition by him subscribed whose testimony is Entitled to full credit and belief subscribed and sworn to in open Court
Before me Elias Hovey Judge

I, Joshua Blivins of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged sixty five years under oath depose and say that I was son-in-law of Elder Elazar Brown (deceased) who formerly lived in the town of Stonington in that part which is now North Stonington he was a Baptist Minister and Preacher of the Gospel in said town of Stonington and practiced marrying persons together I have in my possession his papers or many of them which he left at the time of his decease there has been great enquiry and I have made such search for his Record of Marriages. There is no such paper or Record to be found amongst his papers or the papers which he left. I never knew of his keeping any Record of Marriages. I don't think nor believe that he ever did keep any Record of the persons that he married, I married the daughter of the said Elder Brown further the Deponent saith not Dated at North Stonington May 17 1838
Joshua Blivins
State of Connecticut ss. New London County
At a Court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May A.D. 1838
Present Elias Hovey Judge
Personally appeared in open Court the above named Joshua Blivins and was examined cautioned and sworn agreeable to Law to the above deposition by him subscribed whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief. — subscribed and sworn to in open Court
Before me, Elias Hovey Judge

I, Jonathan Allen, of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut Aged Eighty Three years under oath Depose and Say that I was well acquainted with Paul Edwards, who formerly lived in the Town of Stonington, that part which is now North Ston- ington. I am Brother to Rachel Edwards wife of the said Paul Edwards now his Widow The said Paul Edwards and Rachel Edwards were married together in the House where I now live, they were married together by Elder Elazer Brown who was then a Bap- tist Preacher or Minister of the Gospel in the Town of Stonington that part now North Stoning- ton. Said Elazer Brown is now deceased. I was present at the marriage and saw the said Paul Edwards and Rachel Allen married together they were married in the month of April in the year of 1776 or 1777 - which I am not certain I know that the said Paul Edwards was in the United States Service before he was married to said Rachel Allen, and I know that he was in the service of his country after they were married. I should say as long as three years. I know that said Rachel had a pair of twins born while he was in the service said Rachel had money to support her self and children while her husband was in the army after they were married they removed from this town into the State of New York a number of years say fifteen years since Filed at North Stonington May 1 st A.D. 1838 Jonathan Allen

State of Connecticut ss. New London County
At a Court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May A.D. 1838
Present Elias Hewitt Judge.
Personally appeared in open court the within named Jonathan Allen and was examined cautioned and sworn agreeable to Law to the within deposition by him subscribed whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief
Subscribed and sworn to in open court before me Elias Hewitt Judge
Sacham Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for district of North Stonington Do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is the hand writing of Elias Hewitt & that he was Judge of Probate in said district on the day of year last above named in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said court
Dated at North Stonington this 28 th day of May 1838
Sacham Hull Clerk.

I John D Noyes of Stonington, Town Clerk of said Stonington in the County of New London & State of Connecticut of Lawful Age do depose and say that I have Carefully examined the records of this Town for Marriages to find the marriage of Paul Edwards to Rachel Allen but do not find the same entered thereon
Stonington May 28. 1838.
John D Noyes S.C
3
New London County ss. Stonington.
Personally appeared John D. Noyes signer of the foregoing Deposition and after being duly cautioned, made solemn oath to the truth of the same. and I hereby certify that the Deponent is a credible person and that his Deposition is entitled to full credit and belief. Subscribed, and sworn before me this 28 th May 1838 — Benj. Pomeroy Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut } ss County of New London }
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Benjamin Pomeroy Esq r before whom the above deposition was taken was on said 28 th day of May and still is a justice of the peace in and for said New London County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such, and that his signature above written is genuine. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 29 th day of May A D 1838
John D e Witt Clerk (H)

Cincinnati, Cost. Co. N. York, June 7 th 1888
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
I herewith enclose the pension application, with the proofs, of the Widow Rachel Edwards; when the same are acted upon, please make return to me - I think the evi. will be satisfactory to establish her claim - Allow me to write the earliest attention to the same - She is most needy in her circumstances, and considerable delay has occurred in getting the evi. from Connecticut, as I had to return the papers for Clerk's Certificates & seals once, the person to whom I wrote having omitted to procure them -
I feel assured of the most prompt attention on your part, altho' I have ventured to ask it - I am urged to it by the consideration of her great need as well as that of her Son with whom she resides -
With the greatest respect
I am Your Obt Servt
Barak Niles

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 165-67 Rachel Edwards Widow of Paul Edwards Pri Rev War
Act July 4 th 36
Index: Vol. a , Page 210
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Edwards, Perry GRADE Private LINE Rhode Island
WARRANT NUMBER 3098 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Dec. 31, 1789 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.